| Are you a big fan of Home and Garden Television? | | | | box stores like Costco, TJ Maxx and Homegoods, |
| Do you watch Martha Stewart and peruse the aisles | | | | where can find great pieces for a steal. |
| of Macy's home section wondering how it is that the | | | | Now, let's put together a room. Let's pretend that our |
| professionals manage to put it all together so easily? | | | | inspiration folder is a mixture of clean modern lines and |
| Fret no longer! Here is an easy guide to decorating like | | | | French influence with a touch of pizazz. We've |
| a pro in your very own living room. | | | | decided that we want things to be modern, but livable; |
| Search for Inspiration | | | | classic but still funky. We're going to go with neutrals in |
| It doesn't matter what you have in your inspiration | | | | shades of tan and brown, and spice things up with a |
| folder (or box!) - collect a series of things that inspire | | | | few pops of color in the form of accessories in |
| you, and things that make you feel serene, calm, and | | | | turquoise, our favorite color. |
| happy. One of the first tricks to creating a great living | | | | For the sofa, we'll go with a large charcoal sectional. |
| room is figuring out what it is that you want, and an | | | | Outfitted in a brushed suede, the fabric is durable and |
| easy way to figure out what you want is to highlight | | | | hence, perfect for families, and the large chaise on one |
| what speaks to you. | | | | side is perfect for lounging on a rainy day. Opposite |
| Consider Choosing a Theme | | | | the sofa, we'll create a small conversation area with |
| Are you into the classics? Do you tend toward crown | | | | two zebra print oval backed chairs. The colors are still |
| molding, oak cabinets and lightly stained hardwood | | | | in our neutral palate, but the zebra print is fun and the |
| floors? Do you like earthy tones? Things that speak of | | | | shape of the chair brings in the French flavor we've |
| nature or a day at the beach? Perhaps you like things | | | | been looking for. |
| shabby chic, with a hint of French flair. | | | | We'll also bring in a large dark brown leather Franklin |
| Your inspiration folder will help you decide what kind of | | | | club chair, featuring tufted leather and a classic look. |
| theme you're into. If you tend to like things minimal, | | | | This sort of chair just gets better with age, and is |
| clean-cut and simple, your style is probably modern. If | | | | perfect for dad or grandpa. |
| you love to decorate with wicker, sea shells and bright | | | | To get started on your search for chic living room |
| fun colors that remind you of the ocean, a beach | | | | furniture, create a physical or online folder full of |
| theme would work well for you. If you dream of living | | | | inspirational images. These might be magazine clippings, |
| in a fairy tale princess land of a room, shabby chic will | | | | they might be family photographs of a trip to the |
| make you feel like a queen. Deciding on a theme helps | | | | beach, swatches of your favorite fabric, or images |
| you to narrow things down when you go for a | | | | you've found online. |
| decorating shopping trip. | | | | The television will sit on an espresso wood console |
| Coordinate Your Colors | | | | cabinet that compliments the dark wood of our chairs. |
| Next, consider your colors. Your inspiration folder and | | | | We'll bring in a bit of glitz with mirrored modern side |
| your theme will have helped you narrow down what | | | | tables and a hint of modernity in an acrylic clear coffee |
| you like; now, decide what kind of color scheme you | | | | table. Additional storage will come in the form of |
| are going for. Do you want things to be bright and | | | | espresso brown leaning ladder bookshelves, perfect |
| energetic? Consider a turquoise accent wall or some | | | | for highlighting both books and family mementos and |
| pops of color on the couch. Want things to be serene? | | | | photographs. |
| Consider an ivory with just a hint of blue or pink. | | | | An oriental area rug in neutral tones will anchor the |
| Wishing for something cool and modern? Gray is the | | | | television and seating areas, and pops of color will |
| new neutral, and works with just about anything, giving | | | | come in the form of turquoise bookends, fun turquoise |
| off an air of utter sophistication. | | | | and ivory throw pillows for the couch, and turquoise |
| Go Shopping! | | | | blown glass vases that echo the French feel we've |
| Now that you've found your inspiration, chosen a | | | | been going for while keeping with the modern fun |
| theme and picked out your colors, it's time to go | | | | sentiment with the bright color. |
| shopping! Remember that discount stores are where | | | | As you can see, decorating like a pro isn't all that hard! |
| the deals are, so head to online discount retailers or big | | | | All you need is a good plan, and the time to execute it. |